Roofing construction tool

ABSTRACT

A roofing construction tool including a substantially planar stand formed from a compressible material that includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and side walls joining the top surface and bottom surface. The roofing construction tool may include friction enhancing structure provided on or adjacent the bottom surface and/or at least one weight embedded in the compressible material and having a density greater than a density of the compressible material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/418,625, filed May 21, 2019, entitled “Roofing Construction Tool,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of present invention relate generally to roofing construction tools and, more specifically, to a weight-bearing, compressible roofing construction tool and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Sloped roofs present problems for workers working on the roofs as well as for roofing materials, e.g., shingles, tools and the like, that are not attached to the roofs. More particularly, workers and roofing materials can slide along a sloped roof and possibly fall from the roof. In order to minimize sliding of workers on sloped roofs, workers often wear boots having high coefficient of friction materials provided on the soles of their boots. While this may reduce slippage of workers on sloped roofs, it doesn't always protect workers from sliding.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment there is provided a roofing construction tool comprising a substantially planar stand comprising a compressible material that includes a top surface having a first area, a bottom surface defining a second area larger than the first area, and side walls joining the top surface and bottom surface.

An aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the side walls taper and slope downwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface. The top surface can have a length and a width of about 2 feet to about 5 feet. The top and bottom surfaces can be substantially square, substantially rectangular, or substantially octagonal in shape. The stand can have a height between the top surface and bottom surface of about 6 inches to about 14 inches.

Another aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the compressible material can comprise at least one of open cell rubber, sponge rubber, neoprene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EDPM) rubber, styrene-butadiene (SB) rubber, Buna-N rubber, natural gum rubber, natural latex rubber, fluoroelastomer (FKM) rubber, butyl rubber, epichlorohydrin (ECH) rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, low-density polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, and silicone foam. The compressible material can have a density from about 1 pound per cubic foot to about 6 pounds per cubic foot.

Another aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the roofing construction tool can comprise a high friction layer adjacent the bottom surface. The high friction layer can be about 0.5 to about 3 inches in thickness and can include a plurality of through holes. The high friction layer can comprise at least one of latex, nitrile rubber, double-density polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, styrene rubber, rubber and glass fiber mixture, crepe rubber, microcellular polyurethane, and ethylene vinyl acetate.

Another aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the roofing construction tool can include at least one weight embedded therein having a density greater than a density of the compressible material.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, there is provided an aerodynamic roofing construction tool that is resistant to movement on a roof surface even in the presence of high winds. Gripping of the bottom surface of the roofing construction tool to a roof surface can be enhanced by providing a high friction layer adjacent the bottom surface.

In accordance with a second exemplary embodiment there is provided a roofing construction tool including a stand comprising a first foam layer, a second foam layer and a third foam layer. The first foam layer has a first density, a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first surface. The second foam layer has a second density greater than the first density, a first major surface adjacent the first major surface of the first foam layer, and a second major surface opposite the first major surface of the second foam layer, wherein the second major surface of the second foam layer is an outer surface. The third foam layer has a third density greater than the first density, a first major surface in contact with the second major surface of the first foam layer, and a second major surface opposite the first major surface of the third foam layer, wherein the second major surface of the third foam layer is an outer surface.

An aspect of the second exemplary embodiment is that each of the first foam layer, second foam layer, and third foam layer have a thickness of about 1 to 6 inches.

Another aspect of the second exemplary embodiment is that the first density is about 1 to about 3 pounds per cubic foot.

Another aspect of the second exemplary embodiment is that the second density and third density is each about 3 to about 12 pounds per cubic foot.

Another aspect of the second exemplary embodiment is that the second surface of the second foam layer and third foam layer each have an area with a length of about 2 feet to about 5 feet, and a width of about 2 feet to about 5 feet.

Another aspect of the second exemplary embodiment is that the first, second and third foam layers define a substantially rectangular prism shape.

Another aspect of the second exemplary embodiment is that the first foam layer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, low-density polyethylene foam, polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, and polyurethane foam.

Another aspect of the second exemplary embodiment is that the second foam layer and third foam layer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, silicone foam and latex foam.

Another aspect of the second exemplary embodiment is that the second major surface of the second and third foam layers each have a coefficient of friction sufficient to retain the stand in a stationary position on a roof inclined from 0 to about 60 degrees relative to horizontal.

Another aspect of the second exemplary embodiment is that the second major surface of the second and third foam layers is corrugated.

In accordance with a third exemplary embodiment there is provided a roofing construction tool including a stand comprising a first foam layer, a second foam layer and a third foam layer, wherein each of the first, second and third foam layers include a releasable fastener for releasably connecting each layer together.

Other features and advantages of the subject disclosure will be apparent from the following more detail description of the exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the subject application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a roofing construction tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial elevational cross-sectional view of the roofing construction tool taken along line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a roofing construction tool in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a partial elevational cross-sectional view of the roofing construction tool taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a roofing construction tool in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the roofing construction tool of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view of the roofing construction tool of FIG. 5 atop a sloped building roof;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a roofing construction tool in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded side elevational view of a roofing construction tool in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like features. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, above, below and diagonal, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. The term “distal” shall mean away from the center of a body. The term “proximal” shall mean closer towards the center of a body and/or away from the “distal” end. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the identified element and designated parts thereof. Such directional terms used in conjunction with the following description of the drawings should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject application in any manner not explicitly set forth. Additionally, the term “a,” as used in the specification, means “at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

“About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate.

“Substantially” as used herein shall mean considerable in extent, largely but not wholly that which is specified, or an appropriate variation therefrom as is acceptable within the field of art. “Exemplary” as used herein shall mean by way of example.

Throughout the subject application, various aspects thereof can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages and characteristics of the exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the subject disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular exemplary embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a roofing construction tool 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The roofing construction tool 100 comprises a substantially planar stand 101 comprising a compressible material that includes a top surface 102 having a first area, a bottom surface 104 defining a second area larger than the first area, and side walls 106 joining the top surface and bottom surface. According to an aspect, the side walls 106 taper from the top surface 102 to the bottom surface 104. In particular, the side walls slope downwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface. The slope may be constant, as shown in FIG. 2, or variable, e.g., concave (FIG. 4), for beneficial aerodynamic effect.

According to an aspect, the top surface 102 has a length “L₁” of about 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet and a width “W₁” of about 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet. The bottom surface 104 has a length “L₂” greater than L₁ and a width “W₂” greater than W₁ which depend on the degree of slope of the side walls 106. The top surface 102 can have any suitable shape. For instance, the top surface can be, without limitation, substantially square as shown in FIG. 1, substantially rectangular, or substantially octagonal as shown in FIG. 3. Likewise, the bottom surface 104 can have any suitable shape. For instance, the top surface can be, without limitation, substantially square as shown in FIG. 1, substantially rectangular, or substantially octagonal as shown in FIG. 3. The stand 101 can have a height “H” (FIG. 2) between the top surface 102 and the bottom surface 104 of about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 inches.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a roofing construction tool 200 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The roofing construction tool 200 comprises a substantially planar stand 201 comprising a compressible material that includes a top surface 202 having a first area, a bottom surface 204 defining a second area larger than the first area, and side walls 206 joining the top surface and bottom surface. According to an aspect, the side walls 206 taper from the top surface 202 to the bottom surface 204. In particular, the side walls slope downwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface.

According to an aspect, the top surface 202 has a length “L₁′” of about 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet and a width “W₁′” of about 2, 3, 4 or 5 feet. The bottom surface 204 has a length “L₂′” greater than L₁′ and a width “W₂′” greater than W₁′ which depend on the degree of slope of the side walls 206. The top surface 202 can have any suitable shape. For instance, the top surface can be, without limitation, substantially square as shown in FIG. 1, substantially rectangular, or substantially octagonal as shown in FIG. 3. Likewise, the bottom surface 204 can have any suitable shape. For instance, the top surface can be, without limitation, substantially square as shown in FIG. 1, substantially rectangular, or substantially octagonal as shown in FIG. 3. The stand 201 can have a height “H₁” (FIG. 4) between the top surface 202 and the bottom surface 204 of about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 inches.

FIG. 4 additionally shows that the roofing construction tool 200 can further comprise a high friction layer 208 adjacent the bottom surface 204. The high friction layer 208 can have a thickness or height “H₂” of about 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 or 3 inches. Together, H₁ and H₂ form the total thickness “H′” of the roofing construction tool 200. In order to increase its slip-resistant characteristics, the high friction layer can include a plurality of through holes 210. The high friction layer can comprise at least one of latex, a rubber, such as nitrile rubber, thermoplastic rubber, styrene rubber, crepe rubber, rubber and glass fiber mixture, a polymer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, microcellular polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, and combinations thereof.

The compressible material that forms the stand 101 and the stand 201 can comprise at least one of a rubber, such as open cell rubber, sponge rubber, neoprene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EDPM) rubber, styrene-butadiene (SB) rubber, Buna-N rubber, natural gum rubber, natural latex rubber, fluoroelastomer (FKM) rubber, butyl rubber, epichlorohydrin (ECH) rubber, and a foam, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, low-density polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, and silicone foam, and combinations thereof. The compressible material of stands 101 and 201 can also have a density from about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 pounds per cubic foot or variable density throughout. For example, the roofing construction tool can have a higher density about its perimeter 209 and a lower density towards its center 207 as depicted schematically in FIG. 4 by dashed density demarcation line 211.

In order to enhance slip-resistance, the roofing construction tool 100 or 200 can include at least one weight 212 (FIG. 4) embedded therein having a density greater than a density of the compressible material, or a plurality of weights embedded throughout the stand.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate a roofing construction tool 300 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The roofing construction tool 300 (e.g., a stand 301) comprises a first foam layer 320, a second foam layer 322 and a third foam layer 324. The first foam layer 320 has a first density, a first major surface 326 and a second major surface 328 opposite the first surface. The second foam layer 322 has a second density greater than the first density, a first major surface 330 adjacent the first major surface of the first foam layer, and a second major surface 332 opposite the first major surface of the second foam layer, wherein the second major surface of the second foam layer is an outer surface. The third foam layer 324 has a third density greater than the first density, a first major surface 334 in contact with the second major surface of the first foam layer, and a second major surface 336 opposite the first major surface of the third foam layer, wherein the second major surface of the third foam layer is an outer surface. The first foam layer may be joined to the second and third foam layers by any suitable fasteners, e.g., adhesives or hook and loop type fasteners.

According to an aspect, the thickness T₁, T₂ and T₃ of each of the first foam layer, the second foam layer, and the third foam layer, respectively, is about 1 to 6 inches, whereby the total thickness T of the tool 300 is between about 3 to 18 inches. The tool 300 may assume any substantially prism shape including, without limitation, triangular, circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first, second and third layers of the tool 300 define a substantially square or a substantially rectangular prism shape wherein the second surface 332 of the second foam layer and the second surface of the 336 of the third foam layer each have an area with a length L of about 2 feet to about 5 feet, and a width W of about 2 feet to about 5 feet. According to a further aspect, the tool 300 can include one or more side walls which may, as illustrated, be substantially vertical. In the illustrated example, the tool 300 includes four such walls 340 a, 340 b, 340 c and 340 d.

Exemplary foam materials having densities suitable for use in the roofing construction tools according to the subject disclosure include, without limitation, ethylene-vinyl acetate foam having a density of about 2 pounds per cubic foot; polyethylene foam having a density ranging from about 0.9 to about 9.0 pounds per cubic foot; expanded polypropylene having a density ranging from about 1.2 to about 15.6 pounds per cubic foot; polyurethane foam having a density ranging from about 0.8 to about 6.0 pounds per cubic foot; polyvinyl chloride foam having a density ranging from about 3 to about 25 pounds per cubic foot; silicone foam having a density ranging from about 6.5 to about 102.3 pounds per cubic foot; and latex foam having a density ranging from about 3.8 to about 6.2 pounds per cubic foot.

The first density of the first foam layer is about 1 to about 3 pounds per cubic foot and the first layer can be formed from, e.g., ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, and polyurethane foam having such a range of density. The relatively low density of the first foam layer allows the tool 300 to compress under the weight of an object placed atop the tool 300, which is especially beneficial when a user kneels on the top of the tool for an extended period of time, thereby enhancing the user's comfort while kneeling.

The second density of the second foam layer and the third density of the third foam layer is about 3 to about 12 pounds per cubic foot and the second and third layers can be formed from, e.g., polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, silicone foam and latex foam having such a range of density. The higher densities of the second and third foam layers impart to the second and third foam layers robust durability when the major surface or outer surface 332 of the second foam layer or the second major surface or outer surface 336 of the third foam layer is in contact with the shingles of a roof. In this regard, the roofing tool 300 (and roofing tool 400 described below in connection with FIG. 8) is designed to be reversible. That is, the tool 300 can be situated on a roof such that either outer surface 332 or 336 contacts the roof. Furthermore, such reversibility effectively doubles the service life of the tool 300 in that once the second foam layer has worn down to nearly the first foam layer, the tool can be inverted such that the second major surface or outer surface 336 of the third foam layer contacts with the roof. The third foam layer can then be used as the bottom layer until it wears down to nearly the first foam layer.

As shown in FIG. 7, it is preferred that the second major surfaces 332, 336 of the second and third foam layers each have a coefficient of friction sufficient to retain the stand 301 in a stationary position on a roof 900 inclined at an angle α of from about 0 to about 60 degrees relative to horizontal. The coefficient of friction may be enhanced by providing the second major surface (outer surface) of the second and third foam layers with friction enhancing structure such as, for example, the aforementioned high friction layer (FIG. 4).

An alternative embodiment of a roofing construction tool 400 is shown in FIG. 8. The tool 400 is in many respects similar in construction to the roofing construction tool 300 described above. That is, tool 400 (e.g., a stand 401) comprises a first foam layer 420 having a first density, a second foam layer 422 having a greater density than the first foam layer, and a third foam layer 424 having a greater density than the first foam layer. Unlike the second major surfaces 332, 336 of the second and third foam layers 322, 324 of the tool 300, the second major surfaces 432, 436 of the second and third foam layers can be corrugated at 442, 444 or otherwise provided with alternating raised formations and depressions to promote friction enhancement (i.e., increase the coefficient of friction) of the second major surfaces. The corrugations 442, 444 can be as little as ¼ inch in depth to as much as ½ inch in depth or more depending on the thickness of the second and third foam layers 422, 424.

A further alternative embodiment of a roofing construction tool 500 is shown in FIG. 9. Tool 500 (e.g., a stand 501) comprises at least one first foam layer 520 having a first density, a second foam layer 522 having a greater density than the first foam layer(s), and a third foam layer 524 having a greater density than the first foam layer(s). According to this embodiment, each of the first, second and third foam layers include a releasable fastener for releasably connecting each layer together. More specifically, the major faces of the foam layers facing adjacent foam layers can be attachable to one another by any suitable releasable fasteners such as, for example, hook and loop type fasteners 550. Constructed as such, the overall thickness of the stand 501 is customizable to the user's desired thickness in that any of the first foam layer(s), the second foam layer and/or the third foam layer can be provided in any thickness that the user deems fit. In addition, the second and/or third outer foam layers 522, 524 may be easily replaced as needed with similar outer layers as they become worn.

The subject disclosure additionally provides a method for stabilizing objects on a roof. More particularly, the method comprises placing a roofing construction tool, such as roofing construction tool 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500, on a roof, and placing an object on the roofing construction tool. The object may be a person, roofing supplies, e.g., tools, nails, and the like, or roofing shingles. So placed, the object remains in a stabilized position on the roof due to the compression of the roofing construction tool against the roof, which may be enhanced by the provision of a high friction layer disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the stand 101 or 201, or by corrugations 442, 444 (or similar structure) provided on the outer surfaces 432, 436 of the second and third foam layers 422 and 444 of the stand 401.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is to be understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 

I/We claim:
 1. A roofing construction stand consisting of: compressible foam that includes: a top surface having a width of at least 2 feet, a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface and defining a second area of substantially similar shape as the first area, and side walls joining an entirety of a perimeter of the top surface to the bottom surface.
 2. The roofing construction stand of claim 1, wherein the compressible foam is selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, low-density polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, and silicone foam.
 3. The roofing construction stand of claim 1, wherein the top surface is substantially square, substantially rectangular, or substantially octagonal.
 4. A method of stabilizing objects on a roof consisting of: placing the roofing construction stand of claim 1 on a roof; and placing an object on the roofing construction stand.
 5. A roofing construction tool consisting of: a substantially planar stand of compressible foam having a density of about 1-6 pounds per cubic foot, the substantially planar stand consisting of: a top surface having a first area with a width of about 2-5 feet and a length of about 2-5 feet, a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface and defining a second area of substantially similar shape as the first area, and side walls joining an entirety of a perimeter of the top surface to the bottom surface, the side walls having a height of about 6-14 inches.
 6. The roofing construction tool of claim 5, wherein the top surface is substantially octagonal, square or rectangular.
 7. The roofing construction tool of claim 6, wherein the compressible foam is selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, low-density polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, and silicone foam.
 8. The roofing construction tool of claim 6, further comprising a high friction layer adjacent the bottom surface.
 9. The roofing construction tool of claim 8, wherein the high friction layer is selected from the group consisting of latex, rubber, glass fiber, polyurethane, microcellular polyurethane, and ethylene vinyl acetate.
 10. A roofing construction stand comprising: a first foam layer having a first density, a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first surface; a second foam layer having a second density greater than the first density, a first major surface adjacent the first major surface of the first foam layer, and a second major surface opposite the first major surface of the second foam layer, wherein the second major surface of the second foam layer is an outer surface; and a third foam layer having a third density greater than the first density, a first major surface in contact with the second major surface of the first foam layer, and a second major surface opposite the first major surface of the third foam layer, wherein the second major surface of the third foam layer is an outer surface.
 11. The roofing construction stand of claim 10, wherein each of the first foam layer, second foam layer, and third foam layer have a thickness of about 1 to 6 inches.
 12. The roofing construction stand of claim 10, wherein the first density is about 1 to about 3 pounds per cubic foot.
 13. The roofing construction stand of claim 10, wherein the second density and third density is each about 3 to about 12 pounds per cubic foot.
 14. The roofing construction stand of claim 10, wherein the second surface of the second foam layer and third foam layer each have an area with a length of about 2 feet to about 5 feet, and a width of about 2 feet to about 5 feet.
 15. The roofing construction stand of claim 10, wherein the first, second and third foam layers define a substantially rectangular prism shape.
 16. The roofing construction stand of claim 10, wherein the first foam layer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, low-density polyethylene foam, polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, and polyurethane foam.
 17. The roofing construction stand of claim 10, wherein the second foam layer and third foam layer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, silicone foam and latex foam.
 18. The roofing construction stand of claim 10, wherein the second major surface of the second and third foam layers each have a coefficient of friction sufficient to retain the stand in a stationary position on a roof inclined from 0 to about 60 degrees relative to horizontal.
 19. The roofing construction stand of claim 10, wherein the second major surface of the second and third foam layers is corrugated.
 20. The roofing construction stand of claim 10, wherein each of the first, second and third foam layers include a releasable fastener for releasably connecting each layer together. 